2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 16 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1231 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
